• Solar powered auto rickshaws in India, one step closer to reality

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    Auto rickshaws powered by solar power and zooming about on Indian streets are not a far fetched dream. Auto rickshaws are a symbol of Indian transport and having them go green is indeed a laudable effort. Known as Soleckshaws, these human electric hybrid rickshaws come to the rescue of the Delhi 2010 Commenwealth Games that will be held this October and can carry 2 passengers at a speed of 9 mph for 25 miles on a single charge. When drained, the empty cells will be replaced with charged up cells at dedicated stations. The electric modification will also help curb the spread of tuberculosis among rickshaw pullers who are stricken by this disease due to hard work and malnutrition.


    A hub in partnership with the Indian government involving IIM Ahmedabad, UK Carbon Trust and British Petroleum’s Alternative Energy Group is working towards the designing of the solar powered rickshaw. The shortcoming is the significant engine damage caused due to the starting and stopping of the motor in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk. However, these little solar powered three wheelers are sure to come to the rescue of the Delhi government during the oncoming games.
    [Wired]

    Posted in Topics:Transport, Tags: , on January 13, 2010